The U.S. Navy has reduced the funding for the SM-6 Block IB air defence/hypersonic anti-surface warfare missile significantly in the 2026 budget plan.

SM-6 Block IB, to introduce significant improvements in kinematics and anti-surface warfare capabilities, is facing a budget cut-down for FY2026, with funding halved from $162 million to $83 million, as reported by Naval News.

This brings the question of the cancellation of another hypersonic anti-surface warfare weapon by the U.S. Navy following the cancellation of the HALO hypersonic missile programme. SM-6 Block IB is stated to be capable of reaching hypersonic speeds when used against surface targets.

Compared to scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missiles and boost-glide weapons, SM-6 Block IB is less complex due to its rocket-only propulsion as a hypersonic strike weapon. This, coupled with the use of existing components for other sections and funding only being cut in half rather than completely axed, means SM-6 Block IB still has a chance at proceeding towards operational status.

An option to ensure continuation might be simplifying SM-6 Block IB’s design towards a dedicated anti-surface warfare role. Dual-use capability is something that comes at a considerable price, as considerable as the capability itself.

CPS hypersonic boost-glide weapon appears to hold up with the first platform to receive it being the Zumwalt-class destroyers (In place of the unfeasible 155 mm AGS guns).

SM-6 Block IB

As a follow-up to the SM-6 Block IAU, SM-6 Block IB introduces a whole new propulsion layout with a 21-inch rocket motor, more powerful than what is currently used for existing SM-6 missiles.

The new rocket motor will allow engagements at longer ranges and increased effectiveness for the anti-surface warfare role, the secondary capability of the SM-6 missile.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor:Özgür Ekşi